How to Trim a Big Star Jasmine Plant

The big star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides), grows in shrub, ground cover and vine form, and has the potential to quickly get out of control without regular pruning. The fast-growing vines of this plant climb garden elements, such as trellises and arches, and often attach themselves to trees if given the chance. With proper trimming, you can ensure that your big star jasmine stays healthy so you can enjoy the plant’s white, fragrant flowers.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

• Gloves
• Pruning shears

1. Put on a pair of gloves and pinch the tips off of the vines to encourage lateral growth. The gloves protect your hands from the sticky sap the big star jasmine plant produces.

2. Inspect the star jasmine for any diseased or weakened foliage and cut back these vines at the point where they meet the main branches. This practice encourages new, healthier growth.

3. Wait until after the plant produces its white flowers in May and June, then prune back the vines that escape from its hedge, ground cover or trailing vine form. Repeat this process year-round to ensure your plant is trained into your preferred shape.

4. Cut away any upward-twining vines that grow out of a big star jasmine ground cover. This step keeps the vines from tangling.

Tips & Warnings

• Big star jasmine is not true jasmine.

• Avoid planting big star jasmine near trees as the vines may wind up the trunk and become too tall to trim.